Prime Minister Rishi Sunak repeatedly refused to say whether he told Craig Williams the date of the election.
During a campaign visit in Derbyshire, Mr Sunak was repeatedly asked whether he had confided in Mr Williams ahead of his surprise announcement of a summer election.
Mr Williams is currently under investigation by the Gambling Commission over an alleged bet on the date of the snap General election just days before it was announced – while he was working as the Prime Minister’s Parliamentary Private Secretary.
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Earlier this week it was announced that the Conservative Party withdrew its support for Mr Williams' candidacy after an internal investigation.
When questioned by Sky interviewer Sam Coates, Mr Sunak said: “I’ve been clear about this. I’m furious to have learnt about these allegations.
“We’ve initiated independent inquiries of our own, because I don’t have access to the Gambling Commission’s detail.
“You’ll recognise that while there are ongoing independent investigations, it’s just not right for me to say anything more about that.”
However, the interviewer challenged the Prime Minister and pointed out he could not prejudice the investigation – meaning he could absolutely answer the question of whether or not he told Mr Williams about the date.
Mr Sunak replied: “No, it’s absolutely not right when there are ongoing independent investigations that those are compromised in any way shape or form.”
The Prime Minister was again told he could not “compromise” the investigations by clarifying whether or not he had told Mr Williams the date of the election.
Only for Mr Sunak to reply: “They are rightly confidential and it’s important that they stay that way.”
The Prime Minister added he was “not aware” of any parliamentary candidates or Conservative officials being investigated beyond those already in the public domain.
Mr Williams has said he will continue his campaign ahead of the vote next week
In a statement online, he said: “I committed an error of judgement – not an offence – and I want to reiterate my apology directly to you.
“I am fully co-operating with the routine enquiries with the Gambling Commission and I intend to clear my name.”
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